Online Speech-Language Pathology Undergraduate Programs
Online speech-language pathology bachelor's programs are designed to provide a solid educational foundation to pursue graduate studies in the field or apply for entry-level speech-language pathologist positions. In some cases, you can begin working as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) in a clinic or similar healthcare setting with simply an associate degree. An online SLP certificate — which typically requires 24 credits and may also include clinical training hours — can also prepare you to work under the supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist.
A bachelor's in speech pathology is ideal if your goal is to pursue graduate studies in the field to become a speech-language pathologist. However, degrees in areas such as psychology, linguistics, and language development can also be used as the foundation for becoming an SLP. In general, full-time students can complete an online speech therapy degree in four years, usually at their own pace within the program.
Admission Requirements
Online speech pathology bachelor's programs have certain prerequisites for admission. Applicants will need a high school diploma or GED and, in many cases, high scores from entrance exams, like the ACT or SAT. When submitting their online applications, prospective college students may be asked for high school transcripts, one or more letters of recommendation, a resume of jobs and extracurricular activities, and a personal statement or essay.
Some programs may require students to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA through their first two years of general education before being admitted to speech therapy study at the baccalaureate level. Additionally, because degrees in speech therapy are pre-professional and prepare students for further study, students may need to maintain a 3.0 GPA to graduate.
Speech-Language Pathology Courses
An online speech pathology undergraduate program covers topics in liberal arts and sciences, as well as those related to speech, language, and hearing. Programs typically require 120 course hours, about 30 of which typically focus on language development, speech and language disorders, anatomy, physiology, and diagnostic procedures. Most programs also require supervised clinical placements, where students observe professional speech pathologists conducting diagnostic and treatment sessions. For online students, these can usually be arranged at facilities nearby.
Introduction to Linguistics
The study of linguistics covers topics including what language is, how humans use language, how children learn languages, and more. Students learn about basic linguistic terminology, principles, and subfields, including phonetics, morphology, syntax, and semantics.
Introduction to Speech Sound Disorders
This course focuses on identifying, understanding, and treating speech sound disorders. Students learn about phonological processes, differential diagnosis, and language development while gaining exposure to the causes and characteristics of speech sound disorders, as well as methods for diagnosing and treating these disorders.
Communication and Language Disorders in Children
Faculty teaching this class expose students to topics surrounding language development and communication in children. Students learn about theories and legislation regarding language development and communication. They also begin to develop practical skills, including how to communicate with parents about possible language development delays, assess a child's language skills, and recommend appropriate intervention methods.
In order to succeed as an SLP, students need to first gain an understanding of how language skills typically develop. This course is designed to help students understand how children learn to speak, major speech and language milestones, and theories of language development.
Multicultural Aspects of Communication Disorders
Cultural and language-specific factors can affect how communication disorders present. In this course, students develop a greater understanding of how a multicultural environment affects speech-language pathology. Students will also learn how foreign dialects, language differences, and cultural diversity can affect language learning.
What Can I Do With a Speech-Language Pathology Degree?
With a bachelor's degree in speech-language pathology, you can pursue a range of jobs. A common path is to become a speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA). These workers support SLPs and gain potentially valuable exposure to the field while developing a professional network of contacts. The National Council of State Boards of Examiners details the state requirements for becoming an SLPA. You will need an advanced degree to become an SLP, speech-language researcher, or professor.
Further Education
In addition to online speech pathology programs at the associate and bachelor's levels, there are master's degrees and doctorates in speech-language pathology. You can also earn a certificate in speech-language pathology. However, those interested in becoming licensed speech-language pathologists will need at least a master's degree in the field.
Master's Degrees
Faculty design SLP master's degrees for one purpose: to train the next generation of SLPs. Master's degrees in speech-language pathology contain more advanced coursework in communication science, speech and hearing assessment, and providing therapy across cultural divides. You can also tailor your career based on the patient populations, disorders, or work settings that interest you.
SLP master's programs typically include 36 credits of coursework and take around two years of full-time study to complete. Each program also includes a lengthy clinical placement, during which you assist a working SLP at a speech-language treatment facility. You're required to complete a clinical assignment to graduate, and your documentation of these work hours will help you earn a license to practice. You may be eligible for scholarships or financial aid in the form of student loans.
Doctoral Degrees
Doctoral degree programs are less common and come in two varieties:
- Clinical doctorates prepare you for a role as an advanced practitioner by requiring more research on a focused specialization than a master's program. Such programs have no standardized title, though "Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology" is common.
- PhD programs are for students who want to become professors of speech-language pathology. If you go this route, you'll write a dissertation based on an original research project.
Most doctoral programs require a master's degree in speech-language pathology to apply. Faculty, therefore, assume your familiarity with the field and instead focus on advanced research methodology, cutting-edge issues in speech and language, and organizational leadership.
Careers in Speech-Language Pathology
A bachelor's in speech pathology qualifies you for entry-level roles and some non-SLP careers. Graduates with an online bachelor's degree in speech therapy can work as SLPAs, rehabilitation support staff, or caregivers. They can find employment in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and nursing homes.
Below are some jobs you can get with an undergraduate speech pathology degree:
Annual Median Salary: $61,520
Job Growth Rate: 25%
SLPAs are responsible for assisting SLPs in assessing and treating language disorders. SLPAs fall under the category of occupational therapy assistants and aids in the BLS, which is where the data points above are collected from. It should be noted that a 25% projected job growth is more than three times the U.S. average across all occupations.
Annual Median Salary: $49,110
Job Growth Rate: 20%
Interpreters work to translate information from one language to another. They may work in a variety of settings, such as schools, courtrooms, and hospitals, translating for both individuals and groups. The job growth expected for this occupation is significantly higher than the national average.
Annual Median Salary: $59,720
Job Growth Rate: -6%
ESL teachers help children and adults learn English as a second language. They focus on reading, writing, and verbal communication in English skills. It may be important to consider that this role is expecting a decline in job growth over the next decade. Still, despite a decline of 6%, approximately 4,700 job openings are projected each year through 2030.
Licensure and Certifications
Speech-language pathology professionals must be certified or licensed, depending on their state's requirements. These usually involve earning an advanced degree, completing a specified number of clinical hours, and passing an exam. In California, for example, applicants need at least a master's degree in SLP from an accredited institution, 300 supervised clinical practicum hours, 36 additional weeks of full-time professional experience, and they need to pass a state board exam.
While a graduate degree and state licensure are required to work as a speech pathologist, specialized certifications can also benefit professionals with bachelor's degrees. Certification tells potential employers and clients that a practitioner has the professional training and experience to provide quality care. Some certifications also require practitioners to continue their education, ensuring they are up to date on best practices and scientific research in their field.
Below are two certifications you can get with an online bachelor's in speech pathology:
You can become a certified SLPA after getting an online bachelor's, associate degree, or certificate in a related speech therapy area from an accredited institution. Individuals may also apply if they have a minimum of a two-year degree with relevant coursework in communication disorders or language development. They must pay a one-time fee, submit their application materials, and pass the Assistants Certification Exam.
Those who don't meet the C-SLPA criteria can still become certified audiology assistants. Applicants must have either a bachelor's degree, high school diploma, GED, or a military job series certificate in audiology. Practical hour requirements for certification vary based on the applicant's educational qualifications.
Is a Bachelor's in Speech Pathology Worth It?
Most prospective college students wonder whether it's worth investing time and money into higher education. While you may be interested in speech-language pathology as a field, it's important to consider a variety of factors before enrolling in an online bachelor's program. You should carefully evaluate your personal commitments, financial circumstances, and career goals, as well as the prospect of pursuing an online degree.
Online programs typically allow students to learn at their own pace, so a distance learning format may be a suitable alternative to an in-person degree if you work or have family commitments. However, for students who value the opportunity to engage regularly with their peers, the online format may prove alienating.
You may also want to consider this list of additional pros and cons before deciding to enroll in an online bachelor's in speech pathology:
Potential Advantages
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Job prospects for SLPAs are expected to increase 4-7%This means that there is a good chance you'll find employment in this field after graduating. -
Speech pathologist salaries tend to be higher than the national average, with SLPs earning $79,060 per year.
Potential Drawbacks
How to Choose a Speech Pathology Program
When considering your educational options, some factors will matter more to you than others. It's up to you to weigh the various criteria, but we've included some questions here that may help you choose a program to fit your needs.
Are the school and program accredited?
Accreditation is a complicated subject, but several considerations should help narrow your range of choices for a speech-language pathology degree. ASHA has demonstrated a preference for this form of accreditation, and it's required for licensure in some states.
What's the cost of attendance?
Cost is hugely important to most enrollees. Tuition is the largest portion of expenses, but you also need to account for fees, books, and supplies. On-campus students also have to consider either room and board or commuting costs, although this is a major factor that distance learners can disregard.
How well do alumni succeed?
Accreditation is the first indicator of a college's quality, but it can help to know whether graduates of a particular program find jobs that pay relatively well. Many schools highlight their job placement rates, and you can often find them on the school's website. You can also consult student reviews, which may give some insight into how alumni have fared in the job market.
Would I prefer an online or in-person degree?
You might consider online if you want to attend a distant school but don't want to disrupt your life too much or if the flexibility of asynchronous learning appeals to you. On the other hand, campus learning might offer the traditional college experience that many students crave.
What else matters to me?
The possibilities are endless. You may qualify for a considerable discount because a close relative works at a college, or you may have heard good reports about a school's accommodations for disabilities. In general, it's a good idea to research the quality of each school's services, such as the financial aid office, library, and tutoring opportunities.
FAQs About Online Bachelor's Degrees in Speech-Language Pathology
What Is the Difference Between a Speech Therapist and a Speech Pathologist?
There's technically no such thing as a speech therapist or speech pathologist because the healthcare industry uses the term "speech-language pathologist." However, non-experts use both terms interchangeably, and they all refer to the same occupation.
What Education Is Required to Be a Speech Therapist?
You must have a master's degree in speech-language pathology before you can legally practice as an SLP. In addition, your graduate program must hold accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation, and you will probably need a state license or credential.
Is a BA or BS Better for Speech Pathology?
If you choose to major in speech pathology, you can either get an online Bachelor of Arts (BA) or an online Bachelor of Science (BS). Though both SLP programs teach students about communication sciences disorders and give them experience in clinical practice, there are different electives students can take in each. Despite the overlap in core coursework, a science-oriented BS may offer a slight advantage over a liberal arts-oriented BA if your goal is to pursue graduate studies in speech-language pathology.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Speech Pathologist?
It will probably take you at least eight years to become a speech pathologist. Administrators design bachelor's degrees to last four years and SLP master's programs to last three years with a full-time schedule. You then need to complete a supervised clinical fellowship for about nine months before taking the licensure exam and waiting for your results.
Bottom Line
For students looking to pursue meaningful careers helping people to develop language and communication skills, a major in speech pathology could be a good start. While students interested in becoming speech-language pathologists will need a master's degree in speech pathology and additional certifications, students can begin to prepare for their career with a bachelor's degree in this field.
